Articles by Carl Hampton

It's the 21st Century, we live in one of the most fortunate countries in the world, yet are you aware that the estimated annual burden to the United States concerning hunger and food insecurity is a minimum of $90 million per year?! You may find it difficult to imagine the personal cost of hunger to a child, let alone a family who cannot afford to feed their child(ren), however according to the Department of Agriculture, there are an estimated 12 ½ million children who live in households where having (or getting enough) food is an uncertainty.

Approximately 2 million homeowners, a majority being in minority neighborhoods, are at risk of losing their homes, either through default or by foreclosure. The housing bubble encouraged homeowners to apply for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM's).

The transitions from employment to retirement can seem daunting; exposing many personal, social, domestic and financial uncertainties. As a social institution, retirement implies the regulation of older workers' withdrawal from the work force.

As the costs for the favor of a college education continue to rise every year, is it any wonder that achieving a decent education is seen as a great privilege as opposed to a legitimate right? The average cost at a private college last year for tuition, fees, room and board, was $30,207.

In any city where the majority of people are renters, the projected rise of a 5% increase in rent is anything but good news. Over 61% of households in Los Angeles are inhabited by renters; one of the highest rates in the country.

Traditionally, California has had a low foreclosure rate. However, in the last quarter of 2006, 37,273 Default Notices were sent to California Homeowners; an increase of 36.9% since the previous quarter.

A recently released study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) cited that one of the highest concerns associated with getting older was the lack of money required to support oneself during retirement.

Experts say that it is very important for a two-income family to pay attention to details when deciding on medical insurance coverage. The reasons are as follows: 1. Pay attention because there are more options than ever before.

No-one ever wants to deal with what will happen when they, or loved ones, pass away. However, when it comes down to planning a funeral, things can get really hectic when hasty decisions need to be made.

With great expectations for the coming year, I have begun thinking about that great annual past time, the dreaded Tax Return! Like so many other good citizens from this great country of ours, I will leave it to the very last moment to mail off this year's tax return.